Above: Scenes from around Lisbon. Friends & a view from the Alfama neighborhood. Classic Lisbon buildings. Tiles at the flea market.

Our favorite spots from our trip to Lisbon & Sintra, Portugal.

LISBON

TO SEE

Lisbon, my new favorite city. The tiles, the colors, the light. Make sure to have some Vinho Verde (their slightly effervescent white wine, that is so light and delicious you can have it for breakfast. Hey, you're on vacation..). Lastly, make sure to try an Amarguinha aperitif, which you can find at any bar. It's a refreshing mix of Almond liqueur and freshly squeezed lemon juice served over ice. Or the Portugese classic- Ginjinha. It's not a super vegetarian city, so if you don't eat meat or fish be prepared to just drink many many delicious drinks.

Alfama (Neighborhood): Beautiful old neighborhood in the hills. Take the historic tram 28 there, wander around, have a coffee and then make your way to one of the viewpoints for a great view of the city.

A Vida Portuguesa: One stop shop for wonderfully curated Portuguese made products and souvenirs.

EAT & DRINK

Mercado da Ribeira: Lisbon's classic and recently renovated food court and market, in operation since 1892. Wander around and sample different local dishes, with a glass of vinho verde. Don't forget to try a Pasteis de Nata - the famous local egg custard pastry.

Barrio do Avillez: One of the many restaurants in the city by famed chef Jose Avillez. Try any of them.

Damas Bar - Local, late night, low key and very cool neighborhood bar in Alfama. If you're lucky there is a great band playing in the back room.

Pavilhao Chines - Have a drink in this bar which basically makes you feel like you're inside a curio cabinet of an insane collector.

BotequimDa Graca - Cool Alfama cafe that feels unchanged since it opened in 1960s. Perfect for breakfast, but open all day and into the evening.

Pharmacia - Restaurant, cafe and bar inside the National Association of Pharmacies. Lovely interior and patio.

Palacio Chiado - Food course in an 18th century palace. Have a cocktail and wander through to admire murals and moldings before grabbing a bit to eat.

Above - clockwise from top left. Quinta da Regaleria, tiles, along the walk in Sintra, Sintra National Palace, another shot from the walk in Sintra, Piriquita Bakery.

SINTRA

CASTLES & GARDENS

Sintra is a truly magical place, not to be missed. Take a short train or Uber ride from Lisbon to the town center. Check out the beautiful tile work at the Sintra train station, and then slowly meander through the town to the Quinta da Regaleira to begin your visit.

Quinta da Regaleira: Start your visit in Sintra at this otherworldly estate (and UNESCO world heritige site). Spend a couple hours roaming through the gardens, check out the inside of the estate then have a coffee at the outdoor cafe.

Pena Palace: Equally impressive for its interiors, exteriors and gardens, Pena Palace is another must. If you're only in Sintra for one day take an Uber from the Quinta da Regaleira and you can fit it all in.